At the International Institute of St. Louis as a social work intern, I assisted with case management for refugees who had arrived to the United States in the past 5 years. I served my clients by helping with applications for federal and state benefits, accompanying them to medical appointments, and providing support for clients with barriers surrounding housing, finances, employment, and more. When refugees first arrive to the United States, they are extremely vulnerable. Refugees are unemployed in high numbers; are fearful of medical, legal, and political systems in the U.S.; and are at risk of being deported. With more finances being poured into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the past several years, there has been increasing uncertainty in the safety of all migrants in the U.S.—including refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. In order to provide better protection to refugees in the United States, I propose that resettlement agencies play a bigger role in encouraging refugees to apply for a green card as soon as they are eligible. Possession of a green card allows refugees to become eligible for more employment opportunities, sponsor relatives from overseas to come to the U.S., continue on the pathway to citizenship, and more. Refugees increase diversity, boost our economy, show resilience in the face of hardships, and should be protected and cherished within our society.

Claudia Hall would like to thank their faculty sponsor Shannon Cooper-Sadlo for their support of this project.